a big no! I have a lot of time for Henderson, because at least he tries and you can see the improvement each game. Downing doesn't and I'm fed up with him to the point that just seeing his face puts me in a mood
Both Downing and Hendo have the IQ of dust mites. Neither have the brain to react to circumstances and more often than not put a ball where there is no Liverpool player for yards. It is like they are trained monkeys, they have been shown to pass the ball into the channels, but can't quite comprehend that it is pointless doing that if there is no ****er their to receive it. If we can only replace one of them this summer, than Downing is first out, but I'd be happier to see the back of both of them, and their single digit IQs.
Neither have the brain? Hendo is probably the most technically gifted youngster England has produced in a while! He's got a footballing brain on him, what he hasn't got is the confidence. Whenever he does look confident, he steps up and plays a fantastic match. As for the channel comment, perhaps if no one is in the channel to receive the ball, then Hendo isn't the problem? It's the mentality of the team. If you know that the ball will be in the channel, you run into the channel! Not that hard! If you know that your teammate can't pass through 3 defenders, run past them and behind a through ball! That's what Barcelona practice day in and day out - it seems to work for them. Instead we have Downing looking down at his feet while running, expecting the ball out wide. Or we have Allen refusing to stray forward, forcing a sideways pass that reflects poorly on the passer. Or Gerrard running up close, making the 2 metre pass look cowardly. I'd rather teach the players to receive the ball anywhere - that means whoever is passing doesn't have to worry about getting it exactly right, because the person can get to it anyways. Downing for one pisses me off. When I see his name on the team sheet, every single week, I know that we now only have 9 players who can score on the pitch. He looks down, expects the ball every play, gets it, retreats, passes back, and then slinks off waiting for someone else to continue. Or he'll get the ball in a dangerous position, run with it, look up, refuse to pass and go for the shot himself. Aggravating as hell. Henderson at least is young, while Downing has nothing in his favour. And yes, I've been watching his recent games. They're nothing to write home about. Top players from top leagues would be ashamed to play at his level for the past year and a half. He's apparently happy with it and expects a spot every week. Rodgers is too. That's a problem at our club.
I will have to disagree with you on Henderson. As Danilo mentions, he is very technical but I can see his confidence growing with each game. You can see him do more one touch passes, flicks and some nice long balls. Combined with his work rate and energy, he has a bright future. Downing - yes he is useless and it's like having a wasted player on the pitch. However, we're not spoilt for choice in that position. Hopefully Rodgers can bring in a couple of good attackers/wingers.
I think there is a huge difference between having skill and having vision. Noble is saying Hendo lacks vision and I'm inclined to agree. Whilst Hendo has the technical element to his game to carve open defences he lacks the vision and IQ to see where to split defences and really kick start attacks- so many times we the spectator can see where he should pass the ball but Hendo is so blinkered that he doesn't always make the best decisions.
Yep I see where you're coming from. I'm not saying Henderson is the finished article but I do see signs of progress and development. Our team does need some more 'quick thinking' players to unlock defences. Coutinho could provide this but we shall wait and see - this is why I'm hoping we sign a top quality 'number 10' preferably Christian Eriksen.
